Jewish festivals and dating
Key facts
| Hanukkah 2026 | Sundown 4 December to sundown 12 December |
|---|---|
| Hanukkah 2027 | 24 December to 1 January |
| UK Jewish Film Festival 2026 | Opened 5 November |
| UKJFF online | 18 to 30 November 2026 |
The Jewish year gives you plenty of reasons to get together. A festival event is social, so there's less pressure than a dinner for two. Bringing a partner to a family meal can wait until you're both ready.
A Hanukkah party
Hanukkah 2026 starts at sundown on Friday 4 December and ends at sundown on Saturday 12 December. Many people host or go to parties, with candle lighting, dreidel, latkes and doughnuts. A group party makes an easy, warm second date.
Source: My Jewish Learning: Hanukkah 2026, checked 8 November 2026
The UK Jewish Film Festival
The 2026 festival opened on 5 November with a gala at BFI Southbank and runs for ten days, with more than 70 films. Films also stream online from 18 to 30 November, which helps if you live outside London.
Source: The Jewish Chronicle: UK Jewish Film Festival 2026, checked 8 November 2026
Shabbat dinners and film in New York
The JCC in Manhattan runs R&R Shabbat dinners and the Israel Film Center. Either makes a sociable date with plenty to talk about afterwards.
Source: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan: Mission and history, checked 8 November 2026
Questions
When should I bring a partner to a festival meal?
When you're both ready and it feels serious. Talk to your family first about what to expect.
What if we celebrate differently?
That's common. Share how your family does things and try each other's traditions.
Are festival events a good first date?
A group event can be. It's relaxed, and there's always something to talk about.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch covers dating across the UK. WhichDating, our sister review site, has a guide to dating in Manchester.